Antique Metal Restoration
We restore vintage metalwork and collectables with care for their history and character.
We restore all kinds of vintage and antique metalwork that doesn't fit neatly into other categories. Picture frames, decorative boxes, inkwells, letter openers, coal scuttles, fire irons, candelabras, serving trays, vintage tools, scientific instruments, unusual collectables, and inherited pieces you're not quite sure about. Whatever the metal, whatever the age, whatever the condition, we approach each piece with the understanding that antiques deserve careful, considered restoration. Some items need full cleaning and re-plating. Others benefit from a lighter touch that preserves character and patina. We work on brass, bronze, copper, silver, nickel, and mixed metals from Victorian through to mid-20th century. The Stevenson family has restored unusual and collectable metalwork since 1962, helping customers across London and the UK bring period pieces back properly.
Why Choose Us for Antique Metal Restoration
General antique metalwork often needs someone who can handle different metals, styles, and restoration approaches. We've worked on unusual pieces for over 60 years and understand that not every antique fits a standard category.
Over 60 years restoring unusual and collectable metalwork
We work on all metals including brass, copper, silver, and nickel
Experience with Victorian through to mid-20th century pieces
Flexible approach suited to each piece and its condition
Respectful of age, patina, and period character when appropriate
Honest advice on whether restoration makes sense for unusual items
Work with collectors, dealers, auction houses, and families
How We Restore Antique Metal Items
Restoring general antique metalwork requires assessing each piece individually. What works for one item might not suit another. Here's our approach.
Identify the Metal
We determine what metal or combination of metals the piece is made from. This tells us which restoration techniques are appropriate and safe.
Assess Age and Condition
Understanding the period and style helps us recommend the right level of restoration. Not every antique benefits from looking brand new.
Discuss Your Goals
Some collectors want pieces fully restored. Others prefer a lighter approach that keeps age and character. We explain the options for your specific item.
Clean and Remove Tarnish
Years of dirt, tarnish, and oxidation get carefully removed. We work gently on decorative details, engraving, and delicate areas.
Repair if Needed
Broken parts, bent sections, missing components, and damage get repaired using techniques suited to the metal and period.
Polish or Finish Appropriately
The finish depends on the item, its age, and how you'll display or use it. Some pieces suit a bright polish. Others look better with a softer, aged finish.
Protect if Appropriate
Lacquer protection can be applied to slow tarnish, or pieces can be left natural. The choice depends on the metal and how the item will be kept.
Turnaround is typically 2 to 3 weeks for most antique metalwork. Unusual or complex pieces may take longer.
Types of Antique Metal Items We Work On
We restore all kinds of vintage and antique metalwork. If it's metal, period, and needs restoration, we can help.
Decorative and Household Picture frames, inkwells, letter openers, desk sets, pen trays, bookends, paperweights, and ornamental pieces.
Dining and Serving Serving trays, cake stands, biscuit barrels, butter dishes, napkin rings, condiment sets, egg cups, and vintage tableware.
Lighting and Candle Holders Candelabras, candlesticks, oil lamps, lanterns, vintage light fittings (metal components only), candle holders, and snuffers.
Hearth and Fire Fire irons, coal scuttles, companion sets, trivets, fire screens, bellows, coal boxes, and hearth accessories.
Collectables and Unusual Items Vintage tools, scientific instruments, writing sets, smoking accessories, cigar boxes, vintage cameras (metal parts), and unusual inherited pieces.
We work on brass, copper, silver, nickel, and mixed metals from Victorian through to mid-20th century.
Who Uses Our Antique Metal Restoration Service
Collectors, families with inherited items, antique dealers, and anyone with unusual metalwork that needs restoring bring us pieces across London and the UK.
Antique Collectors Maintaining collections of Victorian and Edwardian metalwork, restoring new acquisitions, and preserving unusual or rare pieces.
Families with Inherited Items Restoring grandparents' belongings, inherited decorative pieces, family collectables, and items with sentimental value but unclear history.
Antique Dealers and Auction Houses Preparing stock for sale, restoring damaged acquisitions, improving presentation of unusual items, and ensuring pieces show well.
House Clearance Finds Items discovered during house clearances, estate sales, or attic finds that need assessing and restoring.
Anyone with Unusual Metalwork That doesn't fit standard categories but needs restoring properly. We help customers identify what they have and restore it appropriately.
What Does Antique Metal Restoration Cost
Pricing depends on the metal, size, age, condition, and work needed. Small decorative pieces cost less than large or heavily damaged items. Unusual pieces requiring research or specialist techniques may cost more.
Send clear photos from all angles showing the condition, any marks or stamps, damage, and approximate size. Tell us what you know about the piece. We'll give you a quote based on that.
Most work takes 2 to 3 weeks. Unusual or complex pieces may take longer. We'll confirm timings when we quote.
Sending Antique Metal Items to Us
Customers across the UK send us unusual and collectable metalwork safely. Here's how to pack and post properly.
Pack Carefully Antique pieces can be delicate. Wrap in bubble wrap, paying attention to protruding parts and decorative details. Use a strong box with padding. Secure everything so nothing moves.
Insure Appropriately Use tracked delivery with insurance based on the item's value or replacement cost. Royal Mail Special Delivery or a courier works well.
Include Information Put your name, phone, email, and return address inside. If you know anything about the piece (age, where it came from, family history), include that too.
What Happens We confirm receipt immediately. You'll get photos and an assessment. We'll explain what can be done and quote before starting. Updates throughout. Secure return delivery when finished.
Our Address Stevenson Platers 34 Woodgrange Avenue Harrow London HA3 0XD
Questions About Antique Metal Restoration
Here are the questions customers ask us most often about restoring unusual and collectable metalwork.
Can you restore items when I don't know what metal they're made from?
Yes. We can identify the metal by examining the piece, checking for marks or stamps, and testing if needed. Once we know what it's made from, we can recommend the appropriate restoration approach.
Will restoration affect the value of antique collectables?
It depends on the piece and the level of restoration. Some antiques benefit from careful cleaning and repair. Others are better left with age and patina. We assess each item individually and give honest advice on whether restoration helps or potentially harms collector value.
What if I inherited something but don't know what it is or what it's for?
Send us photos. We can often identify unusual items based on style, construction, and marks. Once we know what it is, we can advise on restoration and tell you more about the piece's history and use.
Can you restore Victorian and Edwardian decorative metalwork?
Yes. We've restored decorative pieces from Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and later periods. Each era has different styles and appropriate finishes, and we adjust our approach to suit the period and design.
How do you restore items with mixed metals like brass and copper?
Mixed metal items get assessed carefully. Each metal may need different cleaning and polishing techniques. We work on each component appropriately while ensuring the overall piece looks balanced and cohesive when finished.
Can you restore items found in poor condition during house clearances?
Yes. House clearance finds are often heavily tarnished, dirty, or corroded from storage. Most respond well to proper cleaning and restoration. Send photos and we'll assess what's possible. Even badly neglected items often come back surprisingly well.
Can I bring unusual items in person so you can assess them?
Yes. We're in Harrow, London. Bringing unusual or unidentified pieces directly often works better. We can examine them properly, discuss what they are, and explain restoration options face to face. Call 07391 007 123 first to arrange a time.
What if my item is very unusual or you haven't worked on something similar before?
We've restored all kinds of unusual metalwork over 60 years, so chances are we've seen something similar. Even if we haven't, we can assess the metal, construction, and condition to determine the right restoration approach. We'll be honest if something is beyond our scope.
Get Your Free Quote
Send photos of your antique metal item from all angles. Show any marks, stamps, damage, or interesting details. Tell us the approximate size and anything you know about the piece. We'll assess it and give you a quote.
Antique Metal Restoration Across London and the UK
We've restored unusual and collectable metalwork for customers across London and the UK since 1962. Whether it's Victorian decorative pieces, inherited family items, house clearance finds, or unusual collectables, we're here to help restore them properly. Based in Harrow, visit us or send items by post with full insurance.
Pricing depends on the metal, size, age, condition, and work needed. Small decorative pieces cost less than large or heavily damaged items. Unusual pieces requiring research or specialist techniques may cost more.